Almonds fights Obesity

As far as healthy snacks go, almonds rank near the top of fat-fighting foods, a handful of new scientific studies suggest.

Six almond-related research papers are slated for presentation next week at a meeting of the American Society of Nutrition in San Diego.

There findings to be presented at a scientific session – entitled "Are Almonds an Optimal Snack?" – are studies showing snacking on almonds can cut the risks of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and belly fat.

"Presenting new research to this audience of scientists and health professionals is critical to turning the findings into practical application and recommendations, " said Karen Lapsley, M.D., chief science 0fficer for the Almond Board of California. "These results help to advance the evolution of our understanding of almonds' beneficial effects as part of a healthy diet."

Among the studies to be presented:

• New research led by Carol O'Neil, M.D., of Louisiana State University, showing people who eat almond tend to have more nutritious diets and better health overall, compared to those who don't.  The findings are based on an analysis of 24,808 adults.
• An analysis by Richard Mattes, M.D., from Purdue University who found people who eat 1.5 ounces of dry-roasted, lightly salted almonds daily had better appetite control and healthier blood sugar levels, as well as higher vitamin E and monounsaturated fat intake, than those who don't. The study, which tracked 137 adult at risk for Type 2 diabetes, also found that snacking almonds daily helped participants maintain healthy weight levels.
• A study by Penny-Kris Etherton, M.D., from Pennsylvania State University found eating a handful of almonds a day helped 52 adults with high cholesterols lose belly fat, reducing their risk for metabolic and cardiovascular problems.

Rosemary for help to lower the risk of Cancer

Adding Rosemary extract to ground beef can help slash the risk of cancer causing chemicals that can form when meat is cooked, say scientist. Dangerous carcinogens called heterocyclic amines (HCAs) are created when meat and fish are prepared at high temperatures, particularly when grilled, barbecued, broiled or pan-fried

But researchers at Kansas State University investigated a theory that Rosemary might reduce the amount of HCAs that form, and compared five extracts of the spice with varying levels of alcohol ranging from 10 to 40 percent.

All five formulas decreased HCA, but ground beef cooked at 400 degrees with rosemary containing the least alcohol had the very least amounts of HCAs.

The extracts with the least amount of alcohol had higher levels of the substances rosmarinic acid, carnosol and carnosic acid. The researchers are not sure which cuts HCA, or if a combination does the trick.

Fruits & Vegetables for Healthy Skin

Eating more fruits and vegetables can make your skin healthier and more attractive.

A six week study of college students found that extra portion of fruits and vegetables daily enhanced ski toe

“Diet-linked skin color changes occurred over a relatively short time period and were attainable through relatively modest dietary changes,” say investigators at Scotland’s University of St. Andrews

Easy Way to lower Blood Pressure

Researchers at Louisiana State University note that cutting out just one sugary beverage a day can knock up to 18 points off your blood pressure over the course of a few months.  And if you reduce your soft drink consumption by more than one a day, your blood pressure is likely to drop even more. That’s one easy way to lower blood pressure – we have to stop drinking so many sodas and other sugar-laden drinks!

Capsaicin, A Weapon against High Blood Pressure

If you enjoy spicy foods, eat up - you may be helping your blood pressure. Capsaicin, the compound that adds the spicy zing to hot peppers, appears to help lower blood pressure. Animal research suggests that long-term consumption of capsaicin helps relax blood vessels by increasing production of nitric oxide, a molecule known to protect blood vessels against inflammation and dysfunction (the primary function of nitric oxide is really vasodilation). While follow-up studies will be needed to see whether capsaicin works as well on blood pressure in humans, other studies indicate that capsaicin may enhance the metabolism of fat, and help inhibit inflammation. Even if you don't like spicy food, capsaicin has something to offer - a topical application can help minimize symptoms of shingles and eczema, and reduce aches from arthritis